International Students

Exchange Students

Southwestern University enrolls  exchange students from around the globe through ISEP. The Southwestern community benefits greatly from the cultural diversity which each of these students brings to the campus.

Students wishing to attend Southwestern University for one or two semesters, may enroll through ISEP. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

The following minimum official or institutional English language score is required:

  • TOEFL = 80 iBT (213 CBT, 550 PBT) - or - IELTS = 6.5
  •  The above scores correspond to a 120 on Duolingo

There are no ESL language courses at Southwestern University. Students must be prepared to read and write at a very high level.

HOUSING & MEALS
Exchange students are housed in double-occupancy rooms in one of the residence halls located on campus. Students may be housed in a suite, which is comprised of two bedrooms (each double-occupancy) and a shared bathroom and common room. No single-occupancy rooms or married student housing are available. Students receive a full meal plan (19 meals/week) in the university dining hall.

COURSE REGISTRATION

The Office of Study Abroad and International Student Services will assist exchange students with course registration prior to arrival (typically in early April for fall semester or in late October for spring semester). 

ORIENTATION AND ARRIVAL

Exchange students are provided with an International & Exchange Student Handbook to assist with the transition to university life at Southwestern University in the United States. This handbook serves to begin orienting international students to life and studies at Southwestern University, in Georgetown, Texas.

A staff member from the Office of Study Abroad and International Student Services will provide airport pick-up for those students arriving on the official arrival date and arrival instructions for students planning to arrive early.

Students attend a required International Student Orientation which includes errands (shopping for basic supplies, cell phone services, banking services) and sessions on academics and cross-cultural adjustment, visa regulations, working in the U.S., driving in the U.S. and campus support services. Students will also attend Welcome Week in August or Transfer Student Orientation in January. 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Southwestern University’s small size of about 1500 students provides  the opportunity to get more out of the college experience! Learn more:

J-1 STUDENT VISA